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Class JBitllH 
Book JL U Q> 1 



No. X. 
MODERN STANDARD DRAMA. 

EDITED BY EPES SARGENT, 

Author of " Velasco, a Tragedy," &c. 



GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 

2ln ©rtginal Drama. 



IN TWO ACTS 



BY MARK LEMON, ESQ 



AS PLAYED AT THE PARK THEATRE. 



WITH STAGE DIRECTIONS. AND COSTUMES. MARKED AND CORRECTHfl 
BY J. B ADDIS, PROMPTER. 



NEW-YORK : 
WILLIAM TAYLOR & CO., 

No. 18 ANN-STREET. 






?W&f 



EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION. 

Tiij . favorite little two-act piece is an adaptation from 
tlie Pre tch. It was originally produced in its present An- 
glicised form at the Haymarket Theatre, 27th September, 
1S42. Ot % Farren's performance of the old man on this 
occasion, oi±e of the critics of the day remarks : " Frequent- 
ly and oft have we witnessed and admired his perform- 
ances of the old man, and especially of Uncle Foozle ; but, 
however praiseworthy we deemed these several represen- 
tations, they are as nothing in comparison with his Grand- 
father Whitehead. The doting fondness for his little 
grandson — the childlike participation and joy in his a- 
musements- — the delight at his boyish interruptions to 
grandad's writing-lesson — the screening him from correc- 
tion, and taking the rod into his own hands — are exceed- 
ingly natural; and then, again, the fine universal benevo- 
lence of the old man — his wish, and almost irritability at 
not being able to make every one happy — his content- 
ment, interrupted only by the thought now and then 
breaking in upon the weakened intellect of eighty-three, 
of his being a burden to others, — are most life-like ; and 
farther, his tottering walk — his chuckling laugh — his short 
breathing and hesitating sentences — and, under oreat m-ief! 
his stricken body and mind, — are all most admirably, but 
painfully true; in short, the portrait is perfect." 

This commendation may be applied without qualifica- 
tion to Mr. H. Placide's excellent acting in the same part. 
It is one of those artist-like pictures, which once seen live 
in the memory as distinctly as our recollections of real 
personages, with^whom we may have been familiar, and 
who may have impressed us by their saliency of character 
or by their being mingled up with circumstances, that have 
left their ineffaceable print upon oui minds. 



COSTUMES. 

DRAYTON. — Light mixed body coat, white basket buttons, drab 
breeches and gaiters, flowered waistcoat. 

GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD.— Dark brown long-lapelled body 
coat, black breeches. 

LANGLEY.— Brown frock coat, black trousers, grey morning gown 
black velvet collar and cufi's. 

DRIVER. — Black body coat, brown satin waistcoat, light grey trou- 
sers, black stocking gaiters, white hat. 

BOB LINCOLN.— Black jacket, black glazed buttons, black trousers, • 
low crowned white hat. 

SNAP. — Black coat buttoned up to the neck, black trousers. 

EDWARD DRAYTON.— Brown holland blouse, light coloured trou. 
sers, black waistcoat. 

LOUISA DRAYTON.— Blue merino dress, and black silk apron. 

SUSAN. — Brown silk dress, and white apron. 



EXITS AND ENTRANCES. 

E. means Right; L. Left; R. D. Right Door; L. D. Left Door ; 
S. E. Second Entrance ; U. E. Upper Entrance ; M. D, Middle Door. 

RELATIVE POSITIONS. 

R. means Right ; L. Left ; C. Centre ; R. C. Right of Centre ; L. 
Left of Centre. 

The reader is supposed to be on the stage, facing the Audience, 



* * 



GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 



ACT I. 
Scene I. — Driver's Office — easy chair, c. stool and desk, ft, 

Snap discovered arranging books, papers, fye. &pc. 

Snap. There, every thing's ready for business. [Bell 
rings.] That's Master Bobby Lincoln, I suppose ; his un- 
cle, Mr. Langley, keeps him pretty close to his work. 

Enter Bob Lincoln, l. 

Bob. Well, Snap, has Mr. Driver, the governor, done 
breakfast ] 

Snap. Yes, sir, it only wants a minute to nine, and he'll 
be here directly. [Exit, l. 

Bob. [Takes up books, fyc] Ah, the trap's baited, I see, 
and there are certain to be plenty of flats before the day's 
out. Why did they make me a lawyer ? I've too much 
humanity for the profession, for I'd rather go to Green- 
wich any day, than serve a writ or a declaration. [Taking 
up a parchment?^ I never see a sheep but it puts me in 
mind of a lawyer, parchment and fleece — oh ! very well 
flir ! Oh, here's Mr. Driver. 

Enter Mr. Driver, r. 

Mr. D. Mr. Lincoln, good morning. [Crosses to c. 

Bob. Good morning, sir. 

Mr. D. This punctuality promises well, Mr. Lincoln, too 
many look upon law as a luxury. 
Bob* Do you mean clients, sir 1 



8 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. I - ct i 

Mr. D. Ng, sir, I allude to clerks, they set 21 tc con..vle r 
that the great end and aim of law is a guinea a w«*Qk # 
whereas, their ambition should be to exhibit the beauty 0! 
justice, by working as hard as they can for their employ 
ers. Have the other clerks arrived ] 

Bob. [Lookiiig off.] Yes, sir, there's Nix in the loan o^ 
fice, and Tap in the common law. [Sits- at desk, 7 

Mr. D. Oh, that loan office was a splendid thought o 
mine, there's philanthropy and forty per ce»t. in the very 
sound. [Bell rings, Bob jmlh the string and looks off. 

Bob. [Aside.] Why it's my Louisa's father. [Aloud.\ — 
It's Mr. Drayton, sir. 

Mr. D. Drayton ! what the deuce can he want ! 

Bob. [Aside.] That's just the question I was about to ask 
myself. 

Mr. D. Perhaps he has called for his father-in-law, 
Whitehead's allowance. Hem! moneymaker money, and 
I shan't part with that till I am obliged. 

Enter Sxap, l. 

Snap. A letter, sir, from Mr. Drayton. [Crosses to e. 

Mr, D. [Reads.] " Dear sir, 1 am greatly in want of 
thirty pounds, in fact, my credit depends upon payment 01 
that sum to-day — will you assist me I I offer you as secu- 
rity, the allowance which some unknown friend has hither- 
to commanded you to pay to my father-in-law, White- 
head" — hum — " the interest I leave to you" — hum — "but 
remember, I must have the money to-day. 

- Your's obediently, JOHN DRAYTON." 
[Aside.] And so you shall, if Langley orders the allowance 
to be continued. Tell Mr. Drayton, I will send him an 
answers [Exit Snap, l.] Mr. Lincoln, did your uncle 
Langley send any message to me \ 

Bob. Oh dear, I had quite forgotten — yes, sir, he wishes 
to see you before you go out, about something concerning 
somebody that he could'nt mention to any body but you. 

Mr. D. Oh, very well. [Bob resumes his ^/arc at the 
desk.] I understand what he requires, — his will ; I hope 
he will remember my past services, the clever way in 
which I save 1 him from the consequences of that pretty 
little piece of roguery, by which he made his own fortune 
and ruined old Whitehead. 



$C£5X I.] GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD 9 

Enter Snap, l. 

Snap. Mr. Langley, sir. 

Mr. D. [To Bob.] Oh, Mr. Lincoln, shew him in — stay, 
I'll wait upon him myself. [Exeunt Snap and Driver, L. 

Bob. What an old spider the governor is, if ever a very 
fat fly gets into his web, he always attends upon his exe 
cution himself, and uncle Langley is, figuratively speak 
ing, a blue bottle of a client. 

Mr. D. [ Within.] There, my dear sir, lean upon me. 

Sus. [ Within.] Mind the step, sir. 

Enter Driver and Susan, l. supporting Langley, who ap- 
pears suffering from weakness. 

Lan. [Impatiently '.] Don't hurry so, Driver, you grasp 
my arm as though I were iron. 

Mr. D. My dear sir, 1 thought I was handling you as 
tenderly as a ward in chancery. 

S-us. [Placing a chair.] A chair — Mr. Lincoln, have you 
a pillow 1 

Bob. No, we have not, but here's Coke and Littleton, 
[hands her a large book,] and I've slept over that many a 
time. 

Lan. No jesting, sir, my sufferings ought to excite your 
sympathy and not your merriment. 

Bob: 1 beg pardon, sir, if I've made a joke it was with- 
out malice prepense, + 

Lan. But I have deserved it, for have 1 not matured, 
clothed and, cherished you as my own, and when did cha- 
rity beget aught else but ingratitude. 

Bob. L T ncle, I beg to move for a rule nisi. 

Lan. Cease your senseless jargon. 

Mr. D. Senseless jargon Mr. Langley, are you a"ware 
that the phrase is professional 1 

Lan. I will not be baited — to you, Mr. Driver, I have 
paid thousands, and have a right to your respect — to that 
boy I have been a parent, and demand obedience. 

Bob. And you have it, sir ; here's a proof of it — look 
at these pantaloons, hav'nt I had them turned twice, and 
ieft off straps because you said it wore 'em out at the 
knees 1 

Lan. Do you not wish to leave me — have you not dared 



10 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. fAcx I. 

to form an attachment to Drayton's daughter — you, a beg- 
gar ] 

Mr. B. Now you are compromising the character of 
my office. Mr. Lincoln is a gentleman, sir, on a guinea a 
week. 

Bob. If that fact's not enough to soften a heart of stone, 
I don't know what is — hard work and a hard seat are quite 
enough, without hard words, uncle. 

Lan. Well, perhaps I was wrong — Susan ! 

Sus. Yes, sir. 

Lan. You can go home. [Exit Susan, l.] Robert, I 
wish to speak with Mr. Driver alone. [Takes out a note book. 

Bob. Yes, sir. 

Mr. D. [Beckons him aside.] Lincoln, run down to 
Drayton, and tell him I will see him in an hour's time. — 
[Aloud.] Mind your uncle. [Takes his hat from nail. 

Bob. [As he is going.] Of course, sir. 

[Bows respectfully and exits, L. 

Lan. [Offering paper.] Driver, you will here find in- 
structions for the distribution of my property when — I am 
dead. 

Mr. D. My dear sir, you should'nt distress yourself; 
yours will be a most respectable will, your personal pro- 
perty can't be sworn under 20,000Z. 

Lan. More, Driver, more, and you know how I obtain- 
ed it. 

Mr. D. By fair and honest speculation. 

Lan. [Earnestly.] You think so, truly, as between man 
and man 1 

Mr. D. Has not the law decided so ] 

Lan. Ah ! but was the truth all told, did not you shirk 
and quibble ] 

Mr.D. Sir, I exercised my professional knowledge. 

Lan. And so defeated Whitehead, beggared him to pour 
his wealth into my coffers. 

Mr. D. You were my client ; had you been in his posi* 
tion I should have done the same for him. In our honour- 
able profession one interest is always paramount. 

Lan. Then the tale the old man has told was true — 
we did ruin him. 

Mr. D. Mr. Langley, I'm not used to have my services 
80 requited : gratitude, sir, ought to — 



Scene I.J GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 11 

Lan. [Shewing paper. \ Look at that paper-— you see I 
have not been unmindful of you ; one-third of all I have 
I shall bequeath to you. 

Mr. D. My dear sir, I have been warm — over 20,000£. 
did you say, forgive me — threes into twenty are six and a 
fraction. 

Lan. There is one condition that I will not — dare not 
insert in my will. 

Mr.D. Indeed! 

Lan. You must see it fulfilled. During old Whitehead's 
life you must continue to him the allowance of 507. which 
hitherto you have paid him on my account. 

.Mr. D. Certainly, but if it were named in the will the 
whole property — 

Lan. What ! would you have me write down my own 
shame — has not my life been made a hell by that old man's 
story of his ruin % ~1 have seen the finger of scorn point- 
ed at me in the streets, — I have heard under my own roof 
how the adopted orphan sacrificed his benefactor ; I will 
not write an epitaph to blacken my own memory. 

Mr. D. Mr. Langley, but for this admirable disposition 
of your property, I should almost question your fitness to 
execute so important a document as your will. This re- 
morse — 

- Lan. Remorse ! It is not remorse. True, Whitehead 
found me a neglected orphan, reared me, made me his 
equal in society, and I ruined him, — but with what unwea- 
rying enmity has he pursued me ! 

^Mr. D. Indeed ! I never knew that he had even re- 
gretted his loss of wealth. 

Lan. In what bosom has he not awakened pity, in what 
heart has he not called up love, whilst I — am shunn'd, 
despised, with all the means that should ensure respect. 

.3L\ D. [Taking his hand.] And you have it, sir ; for if 
ever a client was adored by his professional adviser, you 
are the man, sir. [Boivs.] 

Lan. [Aside.] Sycophant ! '[Rises, and crosses to r.] 
[Aloud.] You have, of course, paid the money due last 
month to Whitehead. 

Mr. D. I have had no orders, but to-day I will send it 
to him. 

Lan. You were not so considerate wnen he was the vic^ 



12 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. [Aci L 

tim of our cupidity. Pay it, Driver, let me at least feel 
that for my childhood I owe him nothing. 

Mr. D. It shall be done, sir. [Exeunt, l 

Scene II. — A neat room in a house in the suburbs of London* 

Loutsa and Edward discovered, the former seated at ta- 
bic, r., (writing materials on table') teaching Edward to 
read from a book in he?' lap. — A bureau, l. 

Lou. Well, what follows that ? Go oh, Edward. 

Edw. Oh, no ! I am tired — Grandad never makes me 
read so much as this. 

Lou. Grandfather is too indulgent to you, he spoils you 
by letting you do as you please. Come, go on, sir. 

Edw. I'd rather go and have a lesson with him in the 
garden. 

Lou. You shall stay here, you will only plague and worry 
poor grandfather. Now, sir, what follows ? 

Edw. Oh, I'm tired of that. 

[Takes his skipping rope from table, L. and jumps. 

Lou. Will you come here, and give me that skipping 
rope 1 

Edw. No, I won't, I'm going to look for grandad. 

[Exit, r. skipping — as Louisa is about tofolloic — 

Enter Bob Lincoln, c. 

Bob. Louisa ! Louisa ! - 

Lou. La, Robert, how you made me jump. 

Bob. What, I suppose there was something connubial 
in the sound of my voice, something of the lord and master. 

Lou. How can you be so absurd I 

Bob, Absurd ! Why havn't I been talking uf getting 
married for these six months past ; havn't I ordered a pair 
of white ducks for my wedding day, and made a contract 
for a fat goose for my wedding dinner ? Havn't you 
spoke to your father, and — 

Lou, No, Robert, I have not dared to do so. 

Bob. What, you're ashamed, I suppose — leave it to me 
[consequentially]. I havn't attended Westminster Hall for 
nothing, hem ! The plaintiffs in this case are Bobby Lin 
coin and Louis i Drayton. 

Lou. Hush ! rny father wil bear you. 



Scene II.] GRANDVATI1LU WHITEHEAD. 13 

Bob. So much the better. La, bless you, your father's 
not like my uncle ; my uhcle's a harsh, ignorant, rich man, 
your father's a kind, sensible, poor one ; so you dare tell 
him that you'd like to have a husband, and that you give a 
decided preference to me. 

Lou. There was a time that I should not have hesitated 
to have done so, that is, if I had had such a wish or had 
felt such a preference ; but lately my poor father is so 
changed, misfortunes have followed misfortunes until he 
has grown sour and petulant. 

Bob. Rat me if I didn't think something was wrong, 
for I've seen him at our office, and that's only one remove 
from the Insolvent Court. 

Lou. [looking off, c] Hush ! I thought I heard grand- 
father. [Going up, c. 

Bob. What, Mr. Whitehead, that good jolly old boy 1 ' 

Lou. Boy, indeed ! for though eighty years of age, see 
how he is playing with my little brother Edward. [ White- 
head laughs without.] Ha! [Goes up. ,] I thought he would 
have fallen. 

Bob. Ha! ha! see how he's laughing, what a merry 
old soul it is. Does he know of your father's troubles ! 

[Comes down. 

Lou. Oh, no, grandfather is so easily deceived, poor old 
man — his confiding disposition has been his ruin — he's 
coming this way, go now, Robert ! 

Bob. Egad, I must, but I want to see your father; so 
I'll go to him in the workshop. [Grosses to r".] Louisa, 
[Kisses her. \ Take care of that till I see you again. [Exit,n. 
. Lou. Robert ! 

Enter Edward dragging Whitehead on icith a hoop, r. c. 

Wlii. There, there, have done, let me go, will you ] 

Ediv. [Pulling him.] Ye3, grandad. 

[Louisa puts table and two chairs forward, c. 

Whi. Louisa, help me, my dear, for this little rogue 
does nothing but say " Yes " and pull me about. [He re- 
leases himself.] But he should mind what is said to him, 
he should. Where's he got to now! [Edward runs under 
the table.] Come here, sir,- — if I'd only my young legs 
a^ain. Now don't be so giddy, you know what I promised 
v<;u if you were good. [Sits at table, B* 



14 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. '[Act I 

Edw. What, grandad 1 [Plays with hoop.] 

Whi. That splendid cart and horses, and tl.at drum ; 
and if you're very good we'll hare the kite and the wheel- 
barrow. 

Lou. Oh, grandfather, you mus'nt indulge Edward so 
much. 

Whi. Indulge ! Why, he did seem so pleased with 
them, poor child, he laughed, and the tears came into his 
little eyes when he found I couldn't buy them. I was 
obliged to promise him, and I shall keep my word; chil- 
dren should never be deceived, but he was to be a good 
boy, and go on with his writing. Come, Edward. 

Edw. Oh, not now, grandad, by and bye. 

Whi. [r. of table.] By and bye ] No, sir, now directly. 
[Places his spectacles on the table.] Be a good boy? you 
wanted to play at hoop, and we played at hoop ! you 
wanted a game at ball, and we played at ball, and we've 
broken a window into the bargain. [He gets pens, paper, 
Spc.] So, now, [Edward steals spectacles, puts them on, and 
sits on a chair, l., mimicking the old man.] we are gomg to 
play at something else, to rest ourselves a bit. Hallo ! 
where are my spectacles ] Louisa, have you moved my 
glasses 1 

Lou. (r.) No, grandfather, perhaps you've left them in 
the garden, or Edward may have hidden them to prevent 
you giving him his lesson. 

Whi. I should like to see him playing me such a trick. 

Lou\ Why, look, grandfather. [She y>oints to Edward, 
■who has taken the spectacles, and is mimicking the old man 
in a chair, l.] 

Wlii. Now this is too bad. [Sternly.] Edward ! come 
here directly, that I may scold you, sir. 

Edw. You musn't scold gentlemen in spectacles. 

Whi. [Laughing.] Ha! ha! there, Louisa, there, there's 
a wicked little dog. 

Lou. Don't laugh at him, grandfather, it will only en- 
courage him. [Louisa crosses to Edward, takes spectacles 
from him and gives them to Whitehead.] 

Whi. I can't help it — " Gentlemen in spectacles," ha ! 
ha ! he puts me in mind of when I was a boy, I was a 
wicked one ; only let me see a bit of fun going on, and 
away went books, and pen, and slate, and every thing else 



S^eke II.] GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 15 

Lou. You should not say such things befo ,e Edward. 
Whi. Eh ! but it's quite true. [Seriously.] Come, sir, 
now be steady, or no carts, no kites — 

Edw. [Playing with ball.] Ah, you may say so, but 
you'll give them to me for all that. 

Whi. [To Louisa.] Do you hear that 1 Cunning little 
dog, how well he knows me. Come here, come and kiss 
me, 

Edw. [Runs to him.] Oh, yes, grandad. [Embraces 7ii?n 9 
and siu upon his knce.\ 

YVlii. There, that's right. [To Louisa.] There, you 
see, I've only to humour him, and I can make him do what 
1 please. 

Lou. Or rather what he pleases. 

Whi. Louisa, you don't understand children. Now, 
where did we leave off yesterday! [Puts on spectacles. 

Edw. At Y and Z, grandad. 

Whi. Very well — Y and Z. But where's the leaves, 
some one's torn them oat ! 

Edw. Oh, I know where they are. 

[Jumps down, and brings forward a cocked hat and 
boats mad.c of writing paper, from table, L. 

Whi. What's he after now — I asked you where the Ys 
and the Zs were ? 

Edw. [Shewing the figures.] Here are the Ys, and here 
are the Zs. 

Whi. [Laughing.] Now did you ever see — if he — if 
he hasn't actually made them into cocked hats and boats. 

Lou. You see what an idle fellow he is. 

[Edward now goes and gets humming-top from 
table, l., and, tries to wind it up. 

Whi. Yes, yes, I'm going to be very angry, you are a 
naughty little boy, sir. Do you think your father has the 
means to maintain you in idleness ? you think he's very 
well off, I dare say, but you're mistaken, perhaps you're 
mistaken. [To Louisa.] There's no harm in saying that. 

Lou. How little does he suspect that it is the truth ! 

Whi. Instead of studying and working and — [sees Ed- 
ward trying to wind up his humming top] and paying a Iter* • 
don — you — now that's not the way, [tales the top] a boy 
at your age not to know how to spin a humming-top i 
shameful — now watch me do it, [icinds it up, changing hi* 



16 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. [Act 1 

tone]. You should study whilst you're g( ing. Are you 

attending to mel 
Edw. Yes, grandad. 
WJd. You must think of something beside amusement, 

and when I read you a lecture so — 

Edw. {ivatching top.) Is it done, grandad ] 

Whi. Yes, yes, now there it is (kneels down). Now see 

how I do it — you must spin it this way. (Spins top, Ed- 

ward jumps about, and then they try to take it tip with a spoon. 

Noise, Drayton speaking off, l. 

Dra. Sir, I have told you the truth : you must now do 
as you please. Put in an execution if you will, for I have 
not the means of_ paying you. 

Lou. My father, and the room in this litter! 

Dra. (entering L.) What is the reason of this confusion ? 

Lou. Why, father — 

Whi. Stay, stay, I'll tell him. Master Poppet, here, 
wanted to — to — to do something, and Louisa — Louisa, 
you see — 

Dra. (looking in his pocket hook.) I understand — why is 
Edward not at school 1 

Whi. Oh, that's — that's my fault; you see he wished — 
no, I mean I wished- — that is, I didn't get up till late, and 
what with the breakfast and ever so many other things, the 
time has slipped away. [Edward helps up Whitehead. 

Dra. He's aii idle dunce. 

Whi. Oh, oh, don't say that, the child's so fond of his 
school — you like going to school, don't you, Edward ? 

Edw. No, grandad. [Getting behind Whitehead. 

Whi. Hold your tongue, you rogue. , 

Dra. I'm right, you see — come here, sir ! 

WJii. No, no! he didn't understand the question. — - 
[Aside to Edyvard.] Go about your business. 

Dra. Well, we'll see, leave him to me. 

Whi. No, no ! he didn't intend to say that — [aside, \ 
now run, run. v [Exit Edward, n. 

Bra. (ii.) You are wrong in spoiling that child, as \ou 
do. 

Whi. [aside.] That's right, scold me, scold me, my dear 
fellow, I don't mind it. 

Dra. You ought to ehastise him,. 



L^EHE II.] GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD 17 

Whi. Ah, he'd better mind that I don't do it. — \ Aside.) 
a little darling. 

Dra. He needs correction : I shall punish him, if you 
do not. 

Whi. [aside.] I should like to see you lay a finger on 
him, that's all. [Crosses to l. 

Dra. Look at these toys — they are fitted for the child of 
a nobleman. 

Whi. Oh, they're mine — they are — I bought them, they 
all came out of my allowance. 

Dra. Your allowance ! 

JLou. [restraining him.] Father ! 

Dra. What if rny timber merchant had followed me in- 
to this room ] 

Whi. Why, you'd have paid him if he had made any 
remark. 

Dra. [aside.] Paid him ! that, I'm afraid, will be impos- 
sible. [Crosses to l. and walks about. 

Whi. There, there, now you're fretting about some- 
thing I've said ; I've annoyed you. 

Dra. [taking Whitehead's hand.] You, father ] no, no ! 
I'm vexed, worried — 

Whi. On account of little Neddy 1 

Dra. [aside.] Would that I had no other cause of an- 
noyance ! 

W hi. Don't you think about him, I'll see to him — he's 
not fond of work just yet, but — but — I'll be bound he's at 
his books now. j A window pane is heard to break, and a 
ball bounds upon the stage.] Oh la ! oh la ! there's another 
window ! that's the second we've broken this morning. 

Dra. [angrily.] What, again ? 

Whi. Don't you go, don't you go ; I'll see what he's 
about. I'll give it him, Drayton, I'll let him know — Lou- 
isa, stay where you are, Miss, I can manage him best — he 
minds what I say to lrirn. He shall catch it. — he's very 
much frightened at me, — he shall catch it. [ Exit, r. 

Dra. I shall go mad, what with that boy ar.d this poor 
old man. 

Lou. Oh, father, he may hear you. What, has happened 
to change you so ] [weeps.] 

Dra. Tears, my child ! I was wrong, but I have so 
inueh to vex me. 



18 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. [Act I 

Lou. I have long feared as much; but let us not de 
spair, I will work night and day to aid you. 

Dra. Poor child, your labour would assist me little. 
[Rises.] Memel, my timber merchant, has sued me for his 
debt, and unless I can pay him five-and-twenty pounds to- 
day, threatens me with a prison. I have applied to Driver 
to lend me the sum required, but he hesitated, and pro- 
' mised to send to me. 

Lou. His clerk, Mr. Lincoln, went to the workshop to 
seek you some time since. [Goes to door.] Mr. Lincoln, 
Robert ! [catting.] 

Enter Bob Lincoln, r. 

Bob. Ah, Mr. Drayton ! 

Dra. My dear young friend, what message have you 
for me 1 

Bob. The governor sent me to tell you he would be 
with you within one hour — the time has almost expired. 

Dra. Then there is yet hope — excuse me, Mr. Lincoln. 
|-4$M?e.] I will write to Memel, and beg of him to be pa- 
tient till the evening. [Exit, l. 

Bob. Louisa, as I was sitting on one of the benches in 
the workshop, kicking my heels and cutting cut your name 
with a chisel, a thought struck me, by which I think I can 
be of service to your daddy. 

Lou. Indeed ! 

Bob. My uncle Langley is very rich ; it is he that keeps 
our loan office going. Now I we thought, that instead of 
your father going to Driver, why not go to my uncle ? — 
I '11 try my oratory, and if he will assist my rogue of a mas- 
ter, he'll not do less for an honest man like Mr. Drayton. 

Enter Whitehead, c. r. 

Lou. He can but be refused. 

Bob. That's all ; and should he succeed he'll make a 
fortune, and reward me with this dear little hand. 

[Kisses her hand. 

Whi. Hallo ! very pretty, up-m my word. 

Lou. Grandfather ! 

Whi. Yes, miss, it's your grandfather — one's never too 
old to learn. [Bows to Bob,] You have the advantage of 
me. [Goes nearer.] Oh, i see, it's Mr. Driver's lad. 



ScEOTt II.] GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 19 

Bob. Lad I Clerk, sir ! 

Lou. Yes, clerk, grandfather — lad, indeed ! 

Whl. Well, I don't dispute the gentleman's word. — 
Pray, sir, who gave you permission to kiss that young la- 
dy's hand ] 

Bob. Who, sir ] Why — Louisa, who did give me per- 
mission 1 

WM. Have you told her father of your intentions ? 

Bob. Why, not exactly ; but as Fm such a young timid 
thing, you perhaps will do so for me. 

WM. With all my heart — I should like to dance at & 
wedding again ! I'll go to Drayton at once. 

Lou. Not now, grandfather — not to-day. 

WJii. Why not ? 

Bob. Yes, why not] 

Lou. You know, Robert, that you are not free to act as 
you please, and I have no fortune to assist you should you 
displease your uncle. 

Whi. Never mind him ; if he's unkind you shall have 
my allowance, my fifty pounds a-year. Stay, stay — not all 
of it just yet, for I've some little debts I must pay first. 

Lou. Little debts, grandfather ! 

Whi. Yes, and why not, pray 1 You see, when I go 
past the shop next door, and see something that I think 
would please Edward or you, Louisa, I stop and look, 
and then I think I see you both smiling, — and then I can't 
go on — then — then I'm obliged to go in and buy it. 

Lou. Dear, kind grandfather ! 

Bob. Dear, kind grandfather ! [About to embrace him.] 

Whi. Stop, stop, young man, I'm not going to own you 
rill I know something more about you. 

Bob. Sir, I can bring evidence as to character. Oh, Mr. 
Whitehead, if you could get me married shortly I should 
esteem it such an obligation. 

Lou. For shame, Robert ! 

Whi. Not at all, not at all ! I'll do all for the best, rely 
upon me. Now go, young man, in case you lose your si- 
tuation ; clerks should never make love until after office 
hours. 

Bob. Sir, you're quite right, I'll be off. [Crosses to 1*., 
goivg c] But with your permission, I will return in the 
evening to beg a cup of tea and your blessing. [Exit, l. c. 



20 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. Act I. 

Wki. Certainly, certainly. Louisa, I am so happy I 
shall see you settled before I die. I shall give you away 
myself; we'll have a glass coach, and I shall wear a bow, 
a white bow, in my coat. 

Lou. You shall do just as you please, grandfather, when 
I am married. 

Whi. When you are married ! you shall be married 
directly. My allowance will keep you, and the clerk must 
keep himself. 

Lou. I thank you for your kind intentions, but I'm afraid 
we must not depend upon your annuity. It seems to be 
too uncertain. 

Whi. Not at all. Mr. — Mr. — what's his name 1 

Lou. Lambert, grandfather. 

Whi. Ay, ay. Mr. Lambert pays it to me, and he will 
be sure to be punctual, for when he was about to fail in 
business I saved him from doing so. 

Lou. It's not Mr. Lambert who pays it to you. 

Whi. No ! who is it, then ? 

Lou. We suspect that it is — but you'll be angry if. I 
tell you. 

Whi. No, no, I shan't. 

Lou. We suspect it is your former partner. 

Whi. [earnestly.] What, Langley 1 No, no, I'll not be- 
lieve that. How I did love that man ! I brought him up, 
and then he cruelly — no, no ! he would not dare to give 
me back -my own money in the shape of charity. 

Lou. Perhaps he repents his conduct to you. 

Whi. But I'll not touch another penny. I'd rather die 
than have recourse to that ungrateful man. [ Weeps.] 

Lou. Come, grandad, calm yourself; it is Mr. Lambert 
that pays you. 

IV hi. Then why did you tell me that it was Langley ? 
it was unkind, very, very — 

Lou. Grandfather ! 

Whi. [kissing her.] There ! but I will have my revenge 
— only let my first quarter arrive, and you shall see what 
I'll do. I've a sort of presentiment that I shall have my 
money to-day. I believe in presentiments. Won't Ed- 
ward be happy — he shall have such toys ! 

Lou. Ah, grandad, you'll spoil — 

Whi. That is, if lie's good. I put him in the corner for 



Scene II.] GKANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 21 

breaking the windows, but I — I built him -a house of tiles, 
that he might not be melancholy, poor child ! But he 
shall be happy by and by. Would that I could make all 
the world happy ! [Goes up. 

Enter Drayton, with a note, l., crosses to c. 

Dra. [to Lou.] Driver has consented to assist me. 

Lou. You see, father, you should never despair. 

Dra. He has promised to let me have thirty pounds, 
which will enable me to pay Mem el. Driver will be here 
directly with the money. 

JVlri. [coming down, l.] Hey ! Driver with the money 1 

Dra. Yes, father. 

Will. You see, Louisa, my presentiment has been re- 
alised. 

Dra. What do you mean % 

Lou,, [aside to her father. \ Oh, nothing, nothing, father. 

WJii. I was certain the day would not pass without the 
arrival of my allowance. 

Dra. But it is not — [Louisa, checks hi??i] — poor old man, 
1 will not undeceive him. [Grosses to n., going.] 

Whi. Stay, Drayton. [Aside.] There's some mystery 
about this money. 

Dra. Louisa, remain here. 

Whi. [aside.] I must find it out, I must find it out. 

Dra. Let me know when Mr. Driver arrives. [Exit t R. 

Lou. Yes, father. 

Whi. Drayton! Drayton! [To Louisa, solemnly?^ Lou- 
isa, the good never deceive, and the old are forced to be 
credulous, for they cannot search after the truth : you will 
answer me truly about this money. 

Lou % La, grandfather, you are always thinking of mo- 
ney — you should not be so mercenary. 

Whi. All is not ri^ht — you are trifling: with me. If 
misfortune has fallen upon your father, we must all work 
for ourselves : he must give me some employment. 

Lou. You work, grandfather ! No. no, we are prosper- 
ous — indeed, we are. 

Whi. You are sure, o.uite sure '! 

Lou. Yes. [Aside.] I cannot distress him. 

Whi. I breathe again. What a load is taken from my 
heart ! for when I thought that you were 'n difficulty, and 



22 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. [Act i. 

that I — I was a burthen to you, I longed — I longed to die. 

Lou. Oh, grandfather ! 

WJd. But I don't now, I don't now ; I'm too happy to 
think of such a thing — [kisses her.] And see — 

Enter Driver, l. c, and comes down r. 

Good day — Here's Mr. Driver with my allowance. 
.Dri. Hem! your allowance ? why — 

Lou. [aside to Driver.] Do not undeceive him. 
^Dri. Oh, yes, Mr. Whitehead, I have brought you your 
money at last. [Aside.] That's too near the truth to be 
pleasant. 

Whi. Ah ! 

Dri. [To Louisa — goes to table.] Here are twenty-five 
pounds, Miss Drayton — [gives money, 'which Louisa jd&ces 
on the bureau^] Your father, I presume, is at home 1 

Lou. Yes, sir, he will be here instantly. 

Wlii. I may as well see that it's all right. [Goes to bu* 
reau and counts the money.] 

Dri. I have a few words to say to Miss Drayton ; Mr. 
Whitehead, will you pardon me 1 

Whi. Certainly — I 've some little affairs of my own to 
settle. 

<Dri. Your father understands the terms upon which I 
make this advance, — merely five pounds just to pay cab 
hire and anxiety. 

Whi. [who has been reckoning in a pocket book.] Nine- 
teen pounds eighteen shillings ! Bless me. I 'd no idea I 
was so much in debt ! 

Dri. [writing.] There, I have put down the particulars 
upon this scrap of paper : interest five pounds, stamp — 

Whi. Carry one to seventeen that's eighteen ; eighteen 
from twenty-five leaves seven pounds two shillings. I 
must buy a chain for Louisa, but this is the last time, — a 
bridal gift. [Pockets the money and, is going, c.] 

Lou. Are you going, grandfather 1 

Whi. Yes, but I shan't be long, I'm only going to next 
door. No, you shall know nothing at present. I'm going 
to surprise you, to surprise everybody. [Exit, c. L. 

Enter Drayton, r. 
Dra. Ah, Mr. Driver ! you are indeed a welcome visitor. 



Sckwe II.] GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 23 

Dri. Punctuality is the main-spring of business : x have 
given Miss Drayton the money. 

Lou. It is on the bureau, father. 

Dra. Oh, very well. 

Dri. Twenty-five pounds ; I have drawn a bill for your 
acceptance for thirty pounds. — [Shows bill. 

Dra. Thanks, thanks. — [Aside.] — I may yet retrieve my 
broken fortunes. 

Dri. Now, Drayton, your autograph, if you please. 

Dra. With pleasure. 

Enter Bob out of breath, l. c. 

Bob. Mr. — Mr. Dri — ver. [Sinks into a chair, l.c. 

All. What's the matter ] 

Bob. I can't — get — my — [Kisses Louisa's hand. 

Dri. Speak, sir, or I'll give you your discharge in the 
morning. 

Bob. My uncle— 

jfDri. Is dead ] 

Bob. No, nearly as bad ; he has sent for a doctor, and 
as though that was not enough, he wishes to have a law- 
yer, he wants you. 

Dri. Wants me ! Amiable martyr ! Lincoln, fetch a 

cab. Drayton, accept the bill. Louisa, give me my hat. 

[ To Lincoln.'] Why the devil don't you run, sir 1 — run, sir. 

[Exeunt Driver, chasing oat Bob, c. l., followed by 

Drayton, 'who returns and calls. 

Dra. Louisa, bring the money to me. [E$U % R. 

Lou. Yes, father. [She goes to the bureau.] Heavens! it 
is gone! What can grandfather have done with it] 
Grandfather ! Grandfather ! 

Enter Whitehead laden with toys, c. 

Wlii. Here, here I am, Louisa. 

Lou. Where is the money that Mr. Driver brought % 

Wlii.. [Pointing to his load, laughs.] Here, here it is. 

Lou. No ! You have not spent it ? 

Whi. Every penny ! I've paid all my debts, and the 
*est I have laid out for Edward and you. Here's a wed- 
ding present. [Shows chain 

Lou. Qh, grandfather ! What have yo 1 done ] 

Whi [Alarmed.] What have I done! Louisa, child 



24 GKANUFATHEft WHITEHEAD. |ACT i 

speak to me. [Louisa sobs violently. \ Here, Drayton 1 
Drayton ! 

Lou. Do not call him, you must not see him, I must 
break these dreadful tidings to him. 

Whi. What do you mean ? Tell me, tell me all. 

Dra. [Calls within.] Louisa! 

Lou % [Running to door.] I'm coming, father. 

Whi. I will go with you. 

Lou. [Throwing herself before the door.] No, no, you 
ntrst not see my father ; that money was his last resource. 

Whi. It was mine, was it not ? 

Dra. [ Within.] Louisa ! 

Lou. No, no, he had borrowed it of Mr. Driver. 

Whi. Borrowed it ! You — you told me it was mine. 

Dra. [ Withhi.] Louisa ! 

Lou. \ r es, father, yes. [Exit, r., closing the door. 

Whi. His last resource ! His last resource ! They have 
deceived me, then ; deceived the poor old man. They 
led me to believe that I was not a burthen. And — 

Bra. [Without.] What say you ? 

Whi, Ah ! he speaks. [Listens to the door.] He is ques- 
tioning her. 

Dra. [Within.] I am ruined ! 

Whi. Ruined ! 
-Dra. Let him quit my house ! 

Lou, Nay, nay, father. 

Whi. What do I hear ] No, no, I am wrong, he could 
not wish that. No, no, he is angry with me ; he is too 
good to break my heart. 

Dra. [Without.] I'll drive him from my door. 

Lou. No, father, no. 

Whi. Drive me ! Drive me, his aged father ! that 
would be a crime. He shall not commit it. I will go uf 
my own accord. I have heard nothing. No, not an un- 
kind word, but I will go. [Going — pauses,] Without one 
word — one kiss! No, I cannot do that; but if I stay — 
they are ruined by my thoughtlessness, and I must be a* 
burthen now. It would be selfish to remain. I will go. 
[He goes towards the door, and again pauses ; Edward rush- 
es in with whip.] Oh, God ! my child, my dear child ! 
[Kisses the boy.] 

Echo. What is the matter, grandad ] * 



Scene I.] GRAN DFATH fell WHITEHEAD. 25 

Whi. Nothing, nothing. [Gets the chair.] 

Edw. I'm sure there is, grandad, or you wouldn't cry so 

Whi. No, no — there I— I have dried my tears, but I 
have a little journey to make. I must leave you ; good 
bve — kiss me. When 1 am ^one, you will think of your 
poor old grandfather — you will — 1 know you will, even 
should you never see him more. 

Edw. [Weeps.] Oh, grandad ! dear grandad ! 

Whi. There, von musn't cry. Edward ; no — I shall re- 
turn some day. You must love your father and your sis- 
ter — kisii them both forme — thus — thus — [Kisses boy.} Be 
good, and theu we shall meet again. 

Edw. Are you quite sure ] 

Whi. Quite. Do not cry, I must go. Do not hold my 
hand, Edward. How shall I tear myself from him ? [He 
holes around him.] Ah! see what I have bought for you. 

Edw. [Sees toys.] Are these for me 1 

Whi. All, all. 

Edw. [Runs and. busies himself with the toys.] Oh, what 
a happy little fellow I shall be. 

Whi. Yes, yes. Now then, courage. Louisa Drayton, 
farewell ! My boy — my boy — may you all be happy — 
farewell — forever — farewell — farewell ! Heaven bless and 
guard ye all ! [Bursts into tears and exit, c. R. 

END OF ACT I. 



ACT II , 

Scene I. — Practicable doors in R. and l. fiat — doors o. p. 
and v. s. An elegant D/ awing Room in Langley 7 s 
house — afire place, r. .Year iltcjire place, a large arm 
chair and table, also a table, l, — Violent ringing of the 
bell as the curt a hi rises. 

Enter SiJSAN, arranging her dress, r. 
Sus. Mr Lincoln ! Mr. Lincoln ! [Ringing repeated. 

Emcr Bob Lincoln, partially dressed, c. l. 
Bob. Susan! Susan* [they meet, she turns her bad:, and 



26 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. [Act 1 

he pulls off his nightcap. [ Oh, there you are, why the deuce 
don't you go to uncle. 

[He boggles with his coat — ringing repeated.\ 

Sus. La ! Mr. Lincoln, one must have time to dress, it's 
scarcely day-break. 

Bob. I — I was just dreaming of Louisa, and — O lord! 
here's uncle. [Susan crosses to him 

Enter Langley, they both run towards him, r. 

Lan. 1 have aroused you at last. 

Sus. We were coming, sir. 

Bob. Flying, uncle. 

Lan. So it seems, I have been ringing a quarter of an 
hour, but what is it to you how 1 suffer: my wants are 
nothing to your own enjoyments. 

Sus. Don't say that, sir. 

Bob. Oh, he don't mean it, Susan, he knows how sensi- 
tive — 

Lan. Silence, sir. 

Bob. One must have time to awake. 

Lan. You were asleep, then, whilst I lay rack'd with 
pain, and — 

Bob. I must sleep some time, uncle, a lawyer's clerk 
don't o;et the chance of a snooze in the dav. 

Sus. There's a time for all things ; you can be clerk in 
the day, and a nurse at night. 

Bob. [Aside,] I dare say, there's a pretty recipe for pre- 
.serving one's health. 

Sus* But I don't think you've any feeling, Mr. Robert. 

Lan. Enough Robert is fight: r est should follow la- 
bour, and Driver tells me that you are progressing. 

Bob. Progressing! yes, uncle, for I'm kept on the trot 
all day. Yesterday, any one would have thought me an 
inspector of general postmen — first I went to the office, 
then I was started off to Mr. Drayton's — 

Lan. [earnestly.] Oh, you went there. 

Bob. Profes.si< mally, only professionally. 

Lan. [aside.] Driver, then, has sent Whitehead his mo- 
ney ; the old man will at. least have been happy for a day. 

Bob. He don't look an sty — ecrad, I may as well blow 
the family trumpet — oh ! uncle, if you only knew the Dray- 
tons, [Lungley starts,] they are such a prime lot. 



Scene II.] GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 27 

Lan. Indeed. [Susan signs to Bob. 

Bob. I'm sure you'd like them, especially poor old 
grandfather Whitehead, [Langley appeal's strongly affect-. 
edy] he's such a good creature. 

Sus. The stupid fellow. [Signs to Bob to cease,. 

Bob. [to Susan.] Well, he is, for all your telegraphing ; 
he's so kind to every body, and always trying to make 
every body happy ; he seems to love the whole world, 
though he was ruined by some rascal — 

Lan. What ! [Susan pulls Bob's coat. 

Bob. Be quiet, will you ! he was ruined by some villain 
of a partner, [rises,] who — [JUangley turns and looks fiercely 
on Bob, who stammers] — who — o — o sw — in — d — led — 

Lan. Peace, raven ! this is the way they speak of me, 
even to my own kindred. [Sits. 

Bob. Not of you, but — 

Lan. Quit my sight, I will not be reproached under my 
own roof, [aside.] Ruined, and by me, that is their constant 
theme, and yet I — but this shall have an end. [aloud.] Go, 
desire Driver to come to me instantly. 

Bob. He's not up yet, uncle, but — 

Lan. Then he must be aroused. 

Bob. Just what I was going to remark, [aside,] for curse 
me, but I'd shake a lion to get out of the way of this amia- 
ble relation. [Exit, l. 

Lan. [aside.] O God ! shall I never know peace again. 
[aloud.] Susan ! 

Sus. Sir. 

Lan. You heard what Lincoln said, the hatred of the 
Drayton's still pursues me. 

Sus. Oh, they're a bad set, depend upon it, sir ; what 
have they to blame you for ; true, Whitehead did befriend 
you for some time. 

Lan. Twenty years. 

Sus. But see how nobly you treat him now ; fifty pounds 
a year is not a trifle, even out of a rich man's pocket. 

Lan. [aside.] Even her palliation of my conduct stings 
me. 

Sus. Continue the allowance, or make it a little more, 
and then the world will see, some day, how they have 
wronged you. 

Lan. No, no, none must ever know of that, Susan, or it 



28 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 



[Act /. 



would be converted into an admission of my guilt. Lend 
me your arm, the morning seems so lovely, that I will try 
to walk a little. 

Sus. Do, sir. Oh, here's Mr. Robert returned. 

Enter Bob Lincoln, l. 

Bob. The governor will be here directly, sir. I'd the 
satisfaction of seeing his shaving water go up stairs as I 
came out, sir. 

Lan. Pshaw ! Let me know when he arrives. 

Bob. Yes, uncle. [Exeunt Susan and Langley,R.] There 
they go towards the summer-house, and here goes for 
old Whitehead, if uncle kicks me out for it. Come in, 
grandfather — come in. 

Enter Whitehead, l. He seems very cold, and gives evi- 
dence of having been out all night. 

Forgive me for keeping you waiting, but I had been on an 
errand, and — [Whitehead stamps his feet to warm them — 
aside] — if he makes that row — [hands him a chair.] Here, 
Mr. Whitehead, sit down, sir. 

Whi. [continues stamping.] No, no, thank you. [blows 
his fingers.] The night has been cold, very cold. 

Bob. [bloivs the fire, r.] Yes, it has, I know that, for I 
kicked the clothes off, and dreamed I was an iceberg. 
Come, seat yourself near the fire. 

Whi. Fire? Is there a fire ] Ha! there's no resisting 
that, [rubbing his hands, goes \\. and sits in front of the fire.] 
This, this will soon revive me ; but, but the damp fog has 
chilled me to the bone. Ah! this is a luxury. 

Bob. You shouldn't have left home so late, at your age; 
Mr. Drayton should have — 

Whi. [forgetting himself] Drayton — my son-in-law. 

Bob. Yes. ° 

Whi. [^recollecting himself.] Oh, he did wish to accom- 
pany me, but I knew that he was busy — I — I objected — I 
objected, [aside.] He must not know of DraytonVthreat; 
no, none must know of that ; it shall die with me. 

Bob. Well, this'll be a warning to you, you should'nt 
have left home. 

Whi. [energetically.] I could not stay, I could not have 



gcENEl.] GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 29 

breathed there, [recollecting himself,] I mean the fog came 
on, and I lost myself — you — you — met me. 

Bob. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw you 
shivering on the door step. 

Whi. Yes, I was cold — numbed — the frost had seized 
upon my limbs, and I could not proceed. Oh, what pain 
I suffered, and then I thought upon them, the wretched 
beings who will soon be shelterless — father, children, 
[aside.] Edward! Edward! [aloud.] All houseless! 
[Rises.] But I must not stay longer. I'm warm now, I'm 
warm and strong enough to — to — to — [he attempts to rise, 
but sinks bach again in the chair. 

Bob. There, you see you can hardly stand. 

Whi. [trying to rise again.] Yes, I can, yes, I can. 

Bob. You cannot go yet. 

Whi. Yes, yes, only my legs fail me a little. 

Bob. Now wait one minute, [n.ins to l.] I'll fetch you a 
biscuit, and a glass of wine. 

Whi. No, no, I have no time to spare. 

Bob. But you'll be able to walk as fast again, when 
you're refreshed a little. 

Whi. True, true, I had forgotten that. 

Bob. Uncle's safe in the summer house. [Going. 

Whi. I can_do without it ; I can, I can. 

Bob. I tell you, you can't, grandfather. I declare I 
feel like one of the family already. [Exit, l. 

Whi. That's a fine, good hearted fellow, but if I should 
be exposing him to any risk — I ought to have thought of 
that before — I seem to bring trouble upon every one — I 
thought so yesterday, and death seemed preferable to life; 
but the recollection of my children, made me resolve to 
live. I have brought them to ruin, that is enough, without 
adding regret — but I will not return until I have seen 
Langley — I will look upon that man once again — he may 
repulse me, mock at my misery, but I will endure all for 
the sake of my children. Louisa, dear Louisa, and Ed- 
ward, my little grandchild — he sleeps now, he will soon 
awake and call for his old grandad. " Grandfather ! 
grandfather !" but [weeps,] no grandfather will be there 
no, no, no ! 



30 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. [ACT II 

Enter Bob with plate of- sandwiches and ivi.ie, l. 

Bob. I've been rather long, but I couldn't find the bus- 
cuits ; they're all gone, but here's a sandwich. 

Whi. No, no ; I'll not take anything now — nothing but 
a glass of wine. [Bob pours out wine, l.c, and Jills one glass. 

Bob. There's some supernaculum, grandfather. 

Whi. But where's your glass ] 

Bob. Mine ! [Aside.] Well, I don't see why I should be 
an exception. [Fills the other. 

Whi. [smelling, without drinking.] That is, indeed, ex- 
cellent. , 

Bob, I fancy it is, A 1, fit for a chancellor. It always 
surprises me that uncle can ever be ill, when he drinks 
such wine as that every day. 

Whi. [putting doion glass.] Is he ill, then ? — poor fellow 
— come, let us drink to his better health and happiness. 

Bob. With all my heart ; here's the health of uncle 
Langley. 

Whi. [starts.] Langley ! Gabriel Langley ! 

Bob. Yes, this is his house, and this is his old wine. 

[Drinks. 

Whi. [pushes the glass from him.] At the table, at the 
hearth of Gabriel Langley ! [Rises. 

Bob. Why, what's the matter, grandfather ] 
Whi. To bring me here without telling me whose roof 
sheltered me — you have deceived me, young man, you have 
deceived me. 

Bob. Deceived you, my future grandfather ! 

Whi. But I forgive you this unkindness — only let me 

go- 

Bob. Not without me ; why, what would Louisa say 1 

Whi. Louisa ! 

Bob. Gome, take my arm. 

Whi. [abstractedly.] Shall I remain 1 Yes, I have re 
solved to see him. He is ill— who knows the cause ] 1 
feel that I could forget the past, if — no, no, he will not own 
his error. 

Bob. Now I'm ready if you are. 

Wki. No, no, I have changed my mind ; I shall remain 
\w re. 

Bob. What! 



0CE5E I.] 



GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 31 



Whi, I must reflect on what I have to say. 

Bob. To whom ? 

Whi. To Gabriel Langley. 

Bob. [alarmed.] To uncle ! why, you'llnot speak to hir, 

WhL Yes, yes, and we shall see if he will spurn his 
benefactor. 

Bob. I see it all ; uncle was your rascally partner. 

Whim He was, he was. 

Bob. [aside.] Here's a precious situation. 

Sus. [within,] Mr. Lincoln ! 

Bob. Oh, here's Susan, too. Mr. Whitehead, we had 
better be off. 

Whi. Without seeing him. No, no. 

Bob. [aside.] I am ruined — cut off with a shilling — [aloud.] 
My dear sir — 

Sus. [calls within.] Mr. Lincoln ! 

Bob. Do you hear that, sir. Will you oblige me by 
concealing yourself in this room, and as soon as my uncle 
is clear, I'll fetch you. 

Whi: No. no, I mu'st not — cannot leave this room. 

Bob. Oh, don't say that, sir ; for my sake, conceal your- 
self. I shall get into trouble if you don't. 

Whi. You ! that must not be, that must not be — but 
you'll call me soon ? 

Bob. Depend upon it I will. [Exit Whitehead, c. L.J I 
wish you were safe at home this moment. 

Enter Susan, r. She has seen Whitehead leave the Stage, 

Sus. Surely I cannot be mistaken — Mr. Lincoln. 

Bob. Oh, Sukey ! 

Sus. Who has been here 1 

Bob. Nobody. 

Sus. [pointing to table.] Indeed ! 

Bob. Ah ! that's — that's nothing — I've been taking a 
glass of wine. 

Sus. [holding up both glasses. \ And do you generally use 
two glasses when you take wine ] You have had cornpa- 
ny ; you can't deceive me, sir. Mr. Whitehead is here. 

Bob. Eh! Eh! 

Sus. You have brought him here — for what purpose ] 

Bob The fact is, I found him perishing with cold in the 
streot. 



32 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. [Aci CI 

Sus. Indeed ! 

Bob. So I brought him in to warm himself. 

Sus. You take a great interest in him, Mr. Robert. 

Bob. To be sure I do- — is he not the grandfather of Lou- 
isa, and is he not about to become my grandfather also 'I 

Sus. I understand — [smiting.] I am glad you have told 
me, sir : I will now tell you a secret. [ Crosses 

Enter Driver, unseen by them, L. 

Bob. You will ! Go on, I never was made a confident 
before, except professionally, 

Sus. Had I not feigned a dislike to the Drayton's, I fear 
your uncle would never have assisted Mr. Whitehead. 

Bob. You don't mean to say that he has ever done him 
a good turn ! 

Sus. Yes, he has. I have made Mr. Langley do an act 
of justice in spite of himself. Latterly, I have not been 
without hope that he will make Mr. Whitehead some fur- 
ther recompense. [Driver listens at r. d. in f.] Whitehead 
was your uncle's partner. 

Bob. I know, I know, but how did uncle ruin him ? 

Sus. Mr. Langley secretly entered into a large contract 
which promised enormous profits — 

Bob. But uncle was an orphan, and had nothing. 

Sus. Nothing but what Whitehead gave him — he made 
him his partner — gave him half his wealth. 

Bob. Generous old cock ! — And what did uncle do ? 

Sus. Suddenly withdrew his capital, creditors became 
alarmed, and Whitehead, to meet their demands, sacrificed 
all his property, and was ruined. 

Bob. Uncle's a — a — never mind, I've my own private 
opinion. 

Lan. [within.] Susan ! [Driver hides himself tl. d. in f. 

Sus. I am called — if you are careful, ail may yet be 
well. [Exit, R. 

Bob. How that woman's taken me in — I always thought 
her a cunning ear- wig" that was doing the best for herself. 
I'll be off to Louisa, and let her know where her grandfa- 
ther is ; perhaps she may get him to return home without 
uncle seeing him. [Exit, l 

Driver comes forward, c. 

«~ Dri. A pretty hornet's uest I've discovered — That hypo 



feCENE I.J GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 33 

crite in muslin! Who knows but Langley night be per- 
suaded to do right. No, no, I'm certain his conscience 
must have been extinguished these ten years. 

Enter Langley and Susan, r. 

Lan. Ah, Driver, I've been waiting for you, I am anx- 
ious to— [Driver points to Susan.] Yes, you are right. Su 
sari, leave us, 

Sus. Yes, sir. [crosses to l. — aside.] Mr. Lincoln mus. 
not let master see the old man. 

y Dri. [following her.] My dear Susan, Mr. Langley re- 
quests — [Exit Susan, slamming the door in his face, l.] 
Oho ! that's another item in your account that will require 
to be balanced. 

Lan. Susan has been telling me, Driver, of the unfortu- 
nate / situation of the Draytons. 

Dri. [smili?ig.] ^Unfortunate ! 

Lan. Yes, Susan seems to have a strong dislike to that 
family. 

DiL [ironically. ] Very ! 

Lan. Whitehead, too, she tells me, is a sad burthen up- 
on them. 

Dri. That can hardly be, with his annuity. 

Lan. True, true, I have that pleasing reflection at least 
— but Susan — 

J)ri. Is a hypocrite — Mr. Langley, we have both been 
taken in by that girl, and I am sorry to say it, by Mr. Bob 
into the bargain. 

Lan. What do you mean ? explain yourself. 
^Dri. They deceive you. betray your interests, every one 
here, of course excepting myself, are in a conspiracy against 
you. 

Lan. For what end 'f 

Dri. To serve the Draytons — Susan has declared — 

Lan. Speak out. 

Dri. That she will make you honest in spite of yourself 
— I overheard her tell Lincoln so. 

Lan. [rises.] And dare they, a menial and a dependent, 
canvas my character — dare they impugn — but they shall 
rue their ingratitude — Driver, I revoke my will — I recall 
my bequests to Lincoln and to Susan — all, all shall be 
yours. 



34 GRANDFATHER W HITEHEAD. [Act II 

r Dti. [starts.] All — mine! twenty thousand ! 

Lan. If you refuse, 1 will seek another heir. 

Dri. [^running to him.] Not for the world — I would nol 
give you so much trouble. 

Lan. At once prepare the document, I cannot rest un- 
til I have done you and myself this act of justice. 

Dri. You are determined, then ? 

Lan. Unalterably. 

Dri. Then I'll obey you. [Exit, u 

Lan. [seats himself at fire.] Upon whom can I rely? 

Enter Whitehead, c. l. 

Whi. [aside.] My young friend seems to have forgotten 
me. [Sees Langleij.\ Ah! 'tis he ! [with feeling.] he who 
I once loved as a son — he who once called me father. 

Lan. In the world I am alone — no friend — no, not one. 

Whi. [aside] Except me, except me- — the sight of him 
awakens all my former feelings. 

Lan. Even my own kindred, Lincoln, and the servant 
whom I have treated as a friend, have turned against me, 
and for him, for Whitehead. 

Whi. What! 

Lan. But it is past, the ingrates shall quit my house 
for ever. 

Whi. What do I hear ] Discard them because thev 
have pitied me ! [Aside.] A poor, weak old man ! 

Lan. Alone ! To live, to die alone ! To be deserted 
by all, and for that one man — but I will have vengeance. 

Whi. Vengeance ! Take it, then 1 

Lan. [sinking back in his chair, and looking on White- 
head with alarm.] Whitehead ! 

Whi. Yes, what do you fear from me % We are alone, 
you would have vengeance. I will not resist, avenge your- 
self. 

Lan. What do you require of me ] 

Whi. I am corne to — but first let me entreat your for- 
giveness for your only relative, and your faithful servant. 

Lan. Faithful ! They have basely deceived me ; they 
have introduced you, my enemy. 

Whi. No, no, not your enemy. 

Lan. Once more I ask what, you require of me ] Speak, 
and leave me. 



Scene I.] GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 36 

Wki. My presence troul rtes you. 

Lan. It does. 

Whi. The presence of old Whitehead, — he whom you 
have so unfeelingly ruined and abandoned ! 

Lan. Sir ! 

Whi. You shall listen to me, Gabriel ! Heaven is my 
witness that I came here with the words of peace upon 
my tongue, and pardon in my heart. Had you taken my 
hand, I should have grasped yours as of old, although I am 
now destitute — ruined by your act. Yet all should have 
been forgotten. I would have remembered nothing but 
the time when you were almost my son. 

Lan. Have I nothing to forget ] Are years of misrep- 
resentation to be accounted as nothing ? 

Whi, You dare not accuse me of wronging you. 

Lan. But I am unequal to this strife. — [striving to gain 
the door of his apartment^] What do you require of me ] Is 
it money — the dross, which you envy me ? 

Whi. [indignantly^] Shame ! Shame ! 

Lan. You shall have it. 

Whi. Stay, stay, I will not touch a coin of yours. 

Lan. Whitehead, I respect your grey hairs, but after 
the injury you have done me — 

Whi. Injury to you ! 1 — I have been the sufferer, but 
I have sought no revenge. Ungrateful man ! [Exit Lang- 
Icy, r.] I will have nothing from you ; keep your ill-got- 
ten wealth ; I will beg from door to door, and say the cha- 
rity I crave, is for my children. 

Enter Susan, l. 

^ Sus. I wonder if Mr. Lincoln — [sees Whiteli.] Heavens ! 
Mr. Whitehead ! If my master should find you here ] 

Whi. We have seen each other, we have met once a- 
gain. [crosses.] Gabriel, adieu, I leave you to your remorse. 

Sus. [looking off.] Who have we here 3 Surely it is 
Miss Drayton. * 

Whi. [starting.] Louisa ! , 

Enter Louisa, l., who runs to Whitehead. 

Lou. Grandfather ! 

Sus. Hush ! If Mr. Langley should overhear you. 

[Goes to Langley 1 s door, and then exits, R, 
\ylti. [hugging her.] Louisa, my dear, dear child. 






36 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. £ AcT u 

Lou. Oh, grandfather, what anxiety you have caused us. 
We have been searching for you throughout the night, but 
without success, until Robert came and told us where you 
were. 

Whi. And Drayton, and Edward 1 Where, where is 
Edward 1 

Lou. He will be here directly. 

Whi. It seems to me an age since I have seen you, but 
let us go, let us quit this inhospitable roof. 

Lou. Yes, yes, we will go home. [Checking herself.} 
Home, did I say ? 

Whi. Eh! Why do you pause ? Speak, Louisa ; some- 
thing has happened. Do not deceive me again. 

Lou. My father's creditor disbelieved his story, and he 
is now 

Whi. Where? Where? 

Lou. In prison. 

Whi. In prison ! And Edward ? You, Louisa, where 
will you go 1 [Louisa bursts into tears.] I see— I see my 
children without a shelter; yesterday I thought they were 
above the reach of want, and I — I have made them home- 
less. 

Lou. No, no, dear grandfather, I can work for all. 

WJii. You, you, my child ! Never, never! Ah, stay, 
we need not want ; Gabriel offered me money which I was 
too proud to take, but now — stay, stay. 

[Staggers towards Langlei/s door, u. 

Lou. What do you mean ] 

Whi. I will save you at any sacrifice, [feachcs f&e door.\ 
Langley — Gabriel — L no longer refuse your offer. Come, 
come forth, and I will humble myself before you. I will 
kneel to you to save my children, [lie tries to open the door.] 
Gabriel ! He will not hear me. He will not hear rm 

Lou. Westraining hi?n.] Grandfather ! \Gcts cha-. 

Whi. '-No, no, 1 must see him. I — I must. [he tries to 
open the door, hut staggers hack exhausted by, the effort ; Lou- 
isa saves him from, fall mg, and assists him to a chair in centre. 
Apparently bewildered. \ He does not come. Tell him that 
it is I — his poor old father, upon whose bosom he has 
slept; tell him — tell him — Oh ! 

Lou. For mercy's sake, be calm. 

Whi. Da not hold me. T cannot be still, and by my 
nee murder my children. 



SceweI. GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. 37 

Lou. Be calm, grandfather. 

Win. Leave me, leave me. [Pushing her from him % 

Enter Langley and Susan, r. 

Lou. He does not know me. Oh, for pity's sake, sir. 

Lan. What is this % 

Whi. Hush ! Do vou not hear a feeble moan ] 

[He tries to get up, 

Lou. Oh, heaven, his reason has left him ! 

Whi. Again ! Hark ! That is the cry of pain. Open 
the door, quick, quick — see ! see there, an almost lifeless 
boy — give him, to me. [appears to hug an object.] Wine ! 
Wine ! He revives — he looks around in wonder. Ask 
him his name. What says he 1 Gabriel, Gabriel Langley ! 

Lan. What scene is he recalling ] 

Whi. An orphan, is he — alone in the world, friendless 1 

Lan. [aside.] I was, I was. 

Whi. So young, and yet so desolate. Well, I will be 
a father to you — you shall stay with me, and I will love 
you as I love my own. 

Lan* \mnch moved — aside.] Yes, yes, it was thus that 
he spoke to me. 

Whi. You will remember that without my aid you would 
have perished. 

Lan. Oh, ingrate that I have been ! 

Whi. You will never be ungrateful — you will love me. 

Lan. [falling on his knees.] Oh, father, benefactor, for- 
give ! forgive me ! 

Whi. [aroused,] Who spoke then ] 

Lan. A repentant man. 

Whi. [recovering.] Langley, it is long since we met. 

[Endeavors to rise. 

Lan. Oh, forgive me ! I have been a villain, an ingrate. 
But forgive me ! 

Whi. [placing his hand upon his mouth.] Hush ! - be si- 
lent — be silent — let no one know your crime. There is 
my hand — rise — rise — forget that you have injured me— 
forget it, Gabriel, as I do. 

Enter Driver with a paper, L. 

DrL [crosses to Langley.] Eh, what, a party ! Mr, Lang 
ley, here is the draft of the 



38 GRANDFATHER WHITEHEAD. [Act II 

La?i. [takes it from him and tears it.] I shall have other 
instructions to give you, sir. [He speaks with Whitehead. 

Dri. [aside.] That's very pretty, and I've been to the 
expense of a cab, and never asked for the change outt)f my 
shilling. I can charge six-and-eightpence for my disap- 
pointment. [Exit, l. 

Win. [to Langley.] Yes, yes, Drayton must be released 
directly, poor fellow. Hark ! 

Edw. [outside.] Grandfather, grandad ! 

Lou. It's Mr. Lincoln, and little Edward. 

Enter Bob and Edward, l. ; the latter with a Polechinello, 

Edw. There's grandad, there's grandad ! 

Whi. [attempts to go to him, but cannot.] Edward, Ed- 
ward! [Edward runs and jumps upon his knee.] My poor 
boy, I thought I should never see you again — never ! 

[Kisses him, and crys with joy. 

Edw. But I am here, now — don't cry don't cry ! 

[Shows the toy.] You see it is not broken, grandad. 

Whi. I see, I see ; but what if it were — you should have 
a regiment of them, eh, Gabriel ] 

Lan. Yes, father, yes. 

Whi. Ah, what care I for money, but to make others 
happy ] — I only ask my children's love-- [extending his hand 
to Boh and Louisa, and then to Langley.]-— that is all the 
wealth I covet. 

Bob. [aside.] He has acknowledged me as one of the 
family ! 

Whi. Come, children, to-day we will keep holiday, as 
we did three years ago, Gabriel ; no school, Edward, no 
school ; and let us hope nothing will mar the happiness of 
Grandfather Whitehead. 

THE END. 



DISPOSITION OF THE CHARACTERS AT THE FALL OF 

THE CURTAIN. 

Susan. Langley. Whitehead, Edward. Louisa. Bob. 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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014 525 116 3 § 



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